Dental Implants FAQ

Olympic Dental Answers the Most Common Dental Implants Questions

When a person is missing one tooth or multiple teeth, it may cause him or her to become embarrassed. No one wants to smile with gaps in the mouth. A permanent way to fill the spaces is with dental implants. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and topped with artificial teeth. They appear like real teeth and complete a person’s smile. Olympic Dental of Sugar Land offers high-quality dental implants that improve the quality of life for our patients. Before receiving dental implants in Sugar Land, there are a few things to consider. We answered some of the most common questions about dental implants. If you have any more questions, call us at (281) 240-2545.

This patient’s remaining teeth could not be saved due to severe cavities, gum disease and many teeth already missing. She was rehabilitated with a technique called All on 4 or Hybrid Dentures. These top and bottom dentures are permanent and are held in by 4-6 implants per jaw.

How painful is it to get dental implants?

The most common fear about dental implant surgery is the pain that results. However, few patients report much discomfort. Many people feel that the natural results and multiple benefits offset the minimal pain that is felt immediately following surgery. The discomfort may be experienced in the cheeks, chin, or eyes. It is advised to use ice to decrease any swelling. Also, OTC pain relievers can be used to deal with residual pain. During the procedure, a patient is injected with a local anesthetic, which means that pain is not an issue. Since bone has no pain-sensing nerves, the area where the screwing occurs should not be in any discomfort. Within a few days, a patient should be feeling much better.

How long do dental implants last?

Implants are meant to last a long time. When a person practices good oral care, implants should last decades without problems.

How much does a single implant cost?

The cost of a single implant may run between $3,000 and $4,500. Although this may seem expensive, implants last much longer than other replacement tooth options. At Olympic Dental, we pride ourselves on offering affordable dental implants.

Are dental implants typically covered by medical insurance?

Since all dental insurance policies are different, a person’s individual plan will determine the coverage for treatment. Unfortunately, most plans have a ceiling of $1,000 per year. Certain medical insurance plans are starting to cover related procedures, including bone grafting. There is no Medicare benefits for individual implant procedures.

What should a person eat after dental implant surgery?

After a patient undergoes dental implant surgery, he or she should maintain a soft diet. It is advised to refrain from drinking carbonated beverages and eating foods that are overly hot.

What is the difference between the cost of a dental bridge versus an implant?

Dental implants are quite costly. A single treatment may range from $900 to $3,000. Bridges are less expensive and may run half of the price of implants. However, it is important to remember that bridges typically last half of the time.

Do you have to be sedated for dental implants?

It is up to the patient to determine whether or not sedation is necessary during dental implant surgery. Usually, a local anesthetic is sufficient to curb the pain. We offer sedation dentistry to ease the fear and anxiety you may face about visiting the dentist.

How long does it take to get an implant?

The entire process for receiving a dental implant may take up to eight months. If a bone graft is necessary, the treatment may take longer. Once the implant has been inserted into the jaw, it takes approximately five months to heal and fuse to the bone. It may take another month to insert the abutment and new prosthetic tooth.

How are Implants Fitted?

In the beginning, a standard implant is fitted under a local aesthetic. It is placed below the gumline and left to integrate with the jawbone. After the implant is sturdy, the abutment is fit, and an impression is made for a crown. The crown is created and placed over the top so that the finished results look and feel like a natural tooth.

Who Can Benefit from Implants?

Millions of people suffer from extreme decay or gum disease or have suffered from an injury that resulted in tooth loss. Although bridges and dentures are common replacements, they are only temporary solutions. Implants are permanent and cannot be removed on a regular basis.

Implants bring a number of benefits, especially over the long haul. If a young person has lost one or several teeth, implants will last longer than any other option. For instance, a typical bridge may last up to 10 years before it must be replaced. Over time, this can get very expensive for a young person.

Anyone who has lost teeth and is embarrassed by his or her appearance will benefit from implants. They look natural and restore the face’s original shape and encourage normal speech as well. Sometimes, dentures make it difficult to pronounce words correctly.

Why are Implants Important to Oral Health?

Besides aesthetics, implants increase a person’s oral health. To begin, they protect a person’s healthy bone. When empty spaces are left in the mouth, bone deterioration occurs. These spaces may cause adjacent teeth to shift as well. Also, they protect healthy teeth. When a bridge is placed in the mouth, it is supported by the teeth that surround the empty space. Over time, these teeth may become weakened.

What Areas of the Mouth Can Implants Be Adapted to Cover?

An implant can be used to replace a single tooth. However, implants can be used to cover a span of lost teeth. In certain cases, implants can be placed to hold an entire plate of teeth.

What is Anterior Replacement?

The six upper and lower front teeth make up the anterior region. Anterior replacement covers implants in this area of the mouth.

What is Posterior Replacement?

The bicuspids and molars are the teeth that are used to bite and chew. They are located in the back of the mouth and cover the posterior region. When implants are placed in any part of this area, it is considered a posterior replacement.

What is a Full Upper Replacement?

When a person has no upper teeth and receives an entire plate that is attached to implants on both sides of the mouth, it is considered a full upper replacement.

What is a Full Lower Replacement?

When a person has no lower teeth and receives an entire plate that is attached to implants on both sides of the mouth, it is considered a full lower replacement.

Why is Olympic Dental the best dentist for dental implants near Houston, TX?

When a person chooses to receive implants, it is essential to select a dentist who has experience. The field of cosmetic dentistry is constantly changing, so it is essential to work with a dentist who uses the most current methods and technologies. Olympic Dental provides a safe and comfortable environment for all procedures. It offers affordable plans, and the staff is quite knowledgeable about insurance coverage. When you are missing teeth and are embarrassed to smile, you may be an excellent candidate for dental implants. If you have more questions about dental implants in Sugar Land, you should contact the office of Olympic Dental at (281) 240-2545.